S&P 500 Index — Stock Market Recession Indicator
Track the S&P 500 index in real time. Bear markets (20%+ decline) have preceded or coincided with every US recession since 1950.
Current Value
Trigger Level: >20% drawdown from peak = bear market
Historical Trend
AI Analysis
Today's S&P 500 value is 6879, reflecting a slight decline from the recent peak of 6978.6 on January 27, 2026, but remaining within a narrow range of 6538.76 to 6978.6 over the past three months. This trend indicates a stable market environment with no immediate recession risk, as the index has not approached the 20% drawdown threshold that would signal a bear market.
What is the S&P 500?
The S&P 500 is a stock market index tracking the performance of 500 of the largest companies listed on US stock exchanges. It is widely regarded as the best single gauge of large-cap US equities.
Why It Matters for Recession Risk
The S&P 500 is a leading indicator — markets tend to decline 6-12 months before recessions begin. A 20%+ drawdown from peak defines a bear market, which has coincided with every post-war recession.
Historical Context
The S&P 500 fell 57% during the 2008 crisis, 34% during COVID (March 2020), and over 25% in 2022. Post-WWII, the average bear market drawdown is ~33%. Current levels near all-time highs make it a key metric to watch for reversal signals.
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